Christmas 3. 27 December 2013

image by Billy Alexander

by Jason Lowe

Paul, a slave of Jesus Christ, a called apostle, separated for the gospel of God, which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning His Son who came from the seed of David according to the flesh, who was appointed the Son of God onto power, according to the Spirit of holiness, because of the resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord; by whom we received grace and apostleship onto obedience of faith among all the nations, for His name's sake, among whom are you also called-out ones of Jesus Christ; to all those who are in Rome, beloved of God, called-out saints:  Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 1:1-7

It was another cool morning for the new king of Israel, and the pinnacle of his career. He had his enemies underfoot, riches in his right hand and the nation's loyalty in his left. After pouncing out of bed he slid into a garment and called for the prophet. "Nathan, I'm so happy. The Lord has done everything for our country and me. I want to show my gratitude, and to show the whole world how good He is. I want to build a temple for the Lord." After hearing from YHWH, the crusty prophet replied, "You cannot build the Lord a temple". David's face sulked down as the words poured out, then Nathan continued, "but he will build you a kingdom. He swears to you that he will raise one of your descendents to be a king over Israel. Forever"

This story is from 2 Samuel 7 where the infamous Davidic Covenant is promised by the Lord. Yet this promise is not an isolated event. It began long ago in Eden when the Lord gave a rather fuzzy promise that Eve's seed would crush the head of the serpent's (Gen 3); then again, with slightly more clarity, He promised Abraham, "in your seed will all the nations of the earth be blessed" (Gen 22). As history unraveled it was clear this Seed from God would be a King after the lineage of David, a "Son of God" (Psalm 2), and even a "Son of Man" (Daniel 7), along with other confusing details slowly teased out as God sprinkled more clues in the Psalms and prophets. The picture was still blurry, with double vision and blaring static. No one really knew what to expect. Then YHWH himself tore through the fabric of space and time through the portal of a young virgin. Suddenly the picture is much clearer.

In this text, one of Paul's exciting points is that what has been promised since the dawn of the fall has finally been revealed. "The Son of God by the seed of David has been born to us!" At the very least this would have been a trumpet blast in Israel that God has proven his faithfulness by fulfilling a long-awaited promise. The promise is the power and Kingdom of God, beginning with the new creation-kingdom material of Jesus' resurrected body (vs. 4)...the center of this month's devotionals.

This is a promise that demands, as well as cultivates, obedience, since from the King we receive "grace and apostleship," which results in "obedience of faith among all the nations" (vs. 5). The promise of the gospel cultivates obedience because it reveals the beauty of God's faithfulness. When a God who keeps his promises is revealed, all who have eyes to see are wooed to rest in his faithfulness, freeing them to a high calling of obedient love. As you think of the story of redemption, take note of how often, how brightly, the Author speaks of His faithfulness.

Take some time to consider the following. Perhaps it would be helpful to record your responses in a journal.

How does the knowledge of God's faithfulness keep us from meeting our needs by impatient, sinful methods? What tends to be the result (obedience/love) in how we relate, and react, to situations and people when we're not resting in God's faithfulness?

Here is a prayer in response to today's text. You can pray this as your own or use it as a prompt for a spontaneous prayer.

Oh Lord, your apostles so often wrote of our privilege of standing on the highest known revelation, and seeing more of your trustworthiness than even the prophets. Soak our minds with the sounds and sights of your faithfulness. Lead us to loosen our stiff, anxious grip and fall back with our eyes closed, trusting in the cushion of your goodness. Set us free from the slavery of control so that we can be free to love one another---your call of obedience. For the sake of your trustworthy name being revealed through your people, amen.